Can I Apply for Another OPT After My Masters Degree?

Eligibility and Requirements for OPT After Completing a Masters Degree

Many international students pursuing a Masters degree in the United States may wonder if they are eligible for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion. The answer is yes, but specific conditions and guidelines must be followed. This article provides a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the process.

New Degree Level

Once you have completed OPT after a previous degree, such as a Bachelors, you may apply for another 12 months of OPT after completing your Masters degree. This is based on the level of your new degree. Each additional degree you complete after a Bachelors can potentially extend your OPT period by another 12 months.

STEM Extension

If your Masters degree is in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your OPT. This can give you a total of up to 36 months of work authorization. The STEM extension is designed to support STEM graduates in finding employment and contributing to the U.S. economy.

Application Timeline

The timing for applying for OPT is critical. You must file your application before completing your degree, within a 90-day window before your program end date and up to 60 days after your program end date. This ensures that you have sufficient time to obtain your OPT before you need to begin looking for employment.

Unemployment Limits

During your OPT period, you are not allowed to be unemployed for more than 90 consecutive days. This ensures that you remain engaged in employment-seeking activities. Employers and universities can monitor compliance with this requirement by reviewing employment and unemployment data.

Guidance and Procedure

It is essential to consult your university's international student office for specific guidance on the application process. They can provide you with detailed instructions and ensure that you follow all necessary procedures to obtain your OPT.

Complications with Graduating with a Second Masters Degree

A common misconception is that you can extend your OPT period by repeating the OPT process after completing a second Masters degree. Unfortunately, the rules do not allow this.

For example, after you complete your first degree (undergraduate), you are eligible for 12 months of OPT. For your subsequent degree (Masters), you must apply for OPT separately. Similarly, after completing your Masters, you are eligible for another 12 months of OPT. However, completing a second Masters degree does not qualify you for an additional 12 months of OPT. For those seeking additional work authorization, they would need to pursue a Ph.D.

Graduate Certificates and OPT

It's important to note that a graduate certificate is generally considered an extension of your main graduate program. Therefore, you are only granted OPT once for the completion of your Masters program.

Conclusion

To summarize, most students can apply for OPT after completing a Masters degree, provided they follow the specific conditions and timelines. The STEM extension offers an additional set of benefits but still adheres to the same annual 12-month OPT limits. Always consult with your university's international student office for the most accurate guidance and to ensure your compliance with the application process.